Chapter One Hundred and Eighteen -Whiskey and Walks

Franklin and Jason arrived at The Rustic Lantern, a small bar near the Elysian Syndicate. It was a quaint establishment with dim lighting and a cosy seating arrangement. What caught most patrons' eyes were the dozens of lanterns that hung from the ceiling.

“This place is nice; do you come here often?” Jason asked as he took in the ambiance.

“Only with co-workers that I like, so not very often,” Frank said, and Jason let out a small laugh.

They ordered their drinks at the bar and then sat at one of the booths.

“So I'm assuming that, like me, you don’t want to talk about what’s troubling you,” Frank said as they took their seats.

"No, I haven’t had enough alcohol for that just yet," Jason said

Franklin smiled. “My thoughts exactly. Cheers to that.” He lifted up the glass of water in front of him, then Jason lifted his, and they clinked their glasses together, the sound resonating in the air.

“So then,” Frank started, then raised his glass of water and took a sip, “tell me about your mis